Bethany Miller These are a Few of my Favourite Sings is a delightful end of year musical show which brings together theatre goers, music lovers and those who just fancy some familiar songs, sing-alongs, and a healthy dose of Julie Andrews enthusiasm. I am one of many in the audience who grew up with Andrews so the numbers and Georgia Jamieson Emms’ autobiographical recounting of musical family life, brings a wonderful nostalgia.
Dusty May TaylorScreams of adoration filled the air with the arrival of two washed-up celebs and their juvenile dance posse. Frith Horan (as Deni$) and Kate McGill (Tyla) burst onto the scene with a gyrating rendition of “You Won’t Get Me” and immediately captured the audience (slash humiliated them, slash mortified them). Startled laughter paired with “omg” was heard from more than one corner of the lobby as our cringe-worthy superstars played to, and with the crowd.
Hilary Penwarden Walking into the Propeller stage I settle in for a show that has been billed as a total family affair. The Dekkers/Dekkers-Reihana/Van Oyen whanau boast some of Wellington’s most talented theatre makers: grandmother Carolyn Dekkers directs; son Joe Dekkers-Reihana acts; Daughters Neenah and Dahl Dekkers-Reihana take on roles behind the scenes, and granddaughter Mia Van Oyen plays the titular lead. Together they present a story of a little girl named Billy, raised in a billycan, who goes on a quest to save her sick Papa. The combination of their talents elevates a well-known, bog-standard fairy tale format into a production that challenges its audience to think hard about their own world.
Courtney Rose Brown Scarlet and Gold (finalist of the Adam Play Award 2016) is a fictional story based on the true events of The Waihi strike. Set in 1912, Scarlet and Gold gives insight into a Pākehā perspective of the mining events, with a focus on the strength of women. Written by Lorae Parry, Scarlet and Gold is currently in its world premiere at Circa Theatre in Circa Two. However, the show would have been far better suited in Circa One, with the epic narrative, I craved to see the world on a larger scale.
Lizzie MurrayDirector, Adam Goodall, and Making Friends Collective revives Gavin McGibbon’s 2007 play Stand Up Love for one half of the double barrelled production at BATS. The dark comedy features Freddy and Ana: A toxic couple, struggling to find their future together while uncovering each other’s past grievances.
Courtney Rose Brown Wine Lips revolves around Scotty (Tom Clarke) and Brit (Karin McCraken), old flames who dance around the idea of re-igniting the sparks or letting them flicker out. Set backstage at a ‘Boylesque’ show, the main action is interspersed with recorded dialogue from Max (Jacob Brown) - a hopeful, enthusiastic young performer in a show-within-the-show. Written by Sam Brooks and directed by Stella Reid, Wine Lips provides insight into the world of performance and of romance with all the struggles that come alongside both. What comes first, love or career? Money or passion?
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